A8/S8 Audi to discontinue S8 and A8 W12 sedans, VR6 motor for 2010

[HighestOfHigh]

Audi’s high-performance S8 model will disappear for the 2010 model year, and the company will also discontinue use of the Volkswagen-sourced VR6 motor. The S8’s demise might be temporary. With a redesigned A8 expected to debut in 2010 for the 2011 model year, a new S8 could follow for 2012. As for the VR6 motor, it’s gone for good.The VR6 engine is a 3.2-liter unit dating back to the 1990s, capable of producing up to 250 horsepower. It has most recently been used in the A3 and TT model ranges. Audi decided to drop the motor because it doesn’t fit with the company’s move toward more advanced direct-injection motors, according to Edmunds. The company is also eliminating its slow-selling A8 W12, with a mere 100 units sold in 2008. Meanwhile, the front-drive 2.0-liter turbo TT is also gone for 2010, and the 265-horsepower version of the A4 will also go away.

- http://www.leftlanenews.com/audi-to-discontinue-s8-sedan-vr6-motor-for-2010.html

 

[Merc1]

The S8 always gets cut right before a new A8 arrives, but the W12 version is really in danger of not coming back IMO. No one spends that kind of money on an Audi sedan here in the U.S. Audi/VW is backing away from V6s across the board. There is no V6 Passat for 2009 here in the U.S., only the CC V6. No V6 in the A4....wow. Right move on paper, but image wise that puts Audi down with VW IMO. Its either a A4 2.0T or a S4 now....not that I'm sad to see the old 3.2 V6 go it was weak anyway.

M

 

[Gullwing]

Audi hired Vince to help them chop away some of their models.

It takes just one finger!

 

[AYA]

The S8 always gets cut right before a new A8 arrives, but the W12 version is really in danger of not coming back IMO. No one spends that kind of money on an Audi sedan here in the U.S. Audi/VW is backing away from V6s across the board. There is no V6 Passat for 2009 here in the U.S., only the CC V6. No V6 in the A4....wow. Right move on paper, but image wise that puts Audi down with VW IMO. Its either a A4 2.0T or a S4 now....not that I'm sad to see the old 3.2 V6 go it was weak anyway.

M

It's a good thing the S8 is going. It was a very weak car anyway.

















*ducks as Audi fans start pelting eggs*

On a more serious note, does anyone have any idea how many D3 S8s were produced? I tried searching for figures.. that's how I got to the monstrosity shown above.

I'm wondering whether the S8 should stay or go.. It's just so purrty..

 

[VroomVroom]

I want both of your cars!!

Going to be sad too see the D3 too go, but out with the old..In with the new

 

[LaArtist]

The S8 MUST come back..

PS
Audi doesent have a strong enough image to shift enough W12´s to break even..